We’ve been in Mexico for three years and have become part of the community. And it isn’t breaking the bank. We realized that we couldn’t afford to retire in the US. Our doctors are incredible and accessible. We have their cell phone numbers. I have zero regrets about living abroad and doubt we will return to the US.
I’m really curious to hear about some of the best areas in Mexico for visiting and possibly spending an extended period. We have been down the Baja and the main touristy cities, but I am looking forward to hearing of your experiences.
You will cause long term healthcare with problems, and most will have this as they age is unaffordable overseas! Their system is set up for healthy people!
Been out of the US for 15 years now living in Asia. We visit family every few years and we could care less about holidays and the commercial madness that surrounds them. When we visit, it's always off season. We do not miss the US at all: the processed foods and sedentary lifestyle, political chaos, divisions (and minority rule,) super expensive healthcare in relation to most of the industrialized world, endless consumerism... The longer we are not there, the more we feel this way. We'll be heading to Europe when I retire in 2025 and will slow travel until we find a spot to settle in. Traveling is great, but eventually, settling is the goal.
I am with you 💯 %. I am not disagreeing with Brian and Carrie, it's just my personal opinion. The USA is not affordable anymore for a lot of us, retired people. This video seems to aim more towards slow travel. My wife and I recently retired, and we can't wait to sell our house and move to Europe. We will most likely start in southern Spain. Cheers from Florida, USA. 🍻
@Peter-o5k Why should I renounce anything? Don't be so self righteous. I'm overseas with the US military. In fact, many of my Marine, Army, Air Force, and Navy buds feel the exact same way. They see how they can live abroad (in Europe as well) and know that when they get out of the military, it will be difficult for them to buy a house and afford the things that they can afford in other countries, especially if they are enlisted and don't have retirement pensions or the pensions of officers. So what do they do? They marry a local or just move/retire to the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, etc. where they can live on a military pension much more comfortably that they can in the US. That doesn't mean they don't love the country they are fighting or have fought for, but that they see the world as an opportunity for an easier life.
Yey to more traveling, exploring and living live to the fullest! I never want to settle in one place. Left the US 2 years ago, never been happier. I don't miss anything except my friends, but I made some new ones in Europe and I so love my life here now- it's so full of adventure,lots of history, great people, much safer than US, and I don't even want to talk about the food- the quality here is far more superior than in the US. Living the good life! I'm very grateful.
Just another perspective on coming home because of friends and family: We've been away and traveling for almost 18 years now and I honestly don't think our friends and family, are really that interested in seeing us. Not that they don't like us, it's just that we don't have a lot to relate to with them. Our worlds are simply different. I think we sometimes get this idea that we'll go back and things will be the same as when we last left...but they're not. We keep making new friends in other places and make an effort to maintain contact with them and that's OK. I think my point is that once you've left Mayberry, it's impossible to go back. What do you guys think? BTW, I'm 76 and haven't given a thought to my golden years. We're living them now and are still on the road 8 months a year. The curiosity and sense of adventure never ends. Besides, you get lots of senior discounts everywhere. :)
We would agree. We still maintain friendships back home, but life goes on without us being there. Like you say, that's ok! You learn who your good friends are compared to acquaintances. Thank you for the comments and for watching!! 😊
@@BrianandCarrie You might be surprised to discover that some friends and family not only do NOT understand why you travel ( because the are homebodies) But they also do not value the type of experiences that travel gives us. When I started traveling extensively in my early 50's, my best friend asked me how I endured all the "flight anxiety"? Truthfully, I love flying!! So that shocked me. Next some of my family couldn't believe why I didn't want to just stay home after my "work life" ended. Life has many different priorities. I do agree that as older age approaches perhaps some creature comforts will be more important, and I do not intend to sit in a rocking chair and watch TV if I can help it... LOL.. Enjoy!!
you guys are hitting on some very key and important points. This is why I've decided that I'm getting on the road, with my dog Pork Chop, within the next 18 months and while I'm still in my 50s. 10 months on a different continent, 2 months US. I have no idea what shape I'll be in at 65 (no one does), or what family obligations I'll have later in life etc.. I may love it, I may hate it, but one thing I know is that I am going to regret not trying. Thanks for all the info and safe travels!
You're absolutely right, you'll regret it not trying. I've always wanted to live in a couple of foreign countries but unfortunately now 70 years old had heart surgery and struggling with my marriage, i still haven't given up but would feel better if I had someone with me. It's a definite no go with my husband. My kids are busy traveling frequently on their own to discover as many countries as they can. I'm at 60 countries so far so I'll just have to enjoy discovering more, so no regrets.😄
My husband and I purchased a RV and luckily we kept our house. I quickly discovered that I can only tolerate about 3 weeks of travel at a time. We have the best of both worlds. 😊
Can I just mention a slight warning? The longer that you are away, the harder it is to go home. We left England in 1988. We have lived, worked and now retired in several different countries. The country that I knew, does not exist anymore. Places change, people change, cultural references change etc. If you are away for a long time and expect to go back to how it was, it may be a disappointment. We have known several folks who have lived and or worked abroad for a period of time, and it can be an adjustment and sometimes quite tough to go “home”. I am not saying it can’t be done, just be careful.
Just another small point. There is a difference between traveling through other countries and living in another country. When you live for a while in another country you get to know about doctors, lawyers etc. You often get to know a place through not only talking to locals but other expats that live there. When you live in a place for a while, you can get to know where to get your groceries, a lawyer who is used to dealing with foreigners, where to get cheaper medication, how to sort out your insurance, where and how to volunteer, how to join the local sketching group etc. If you keep moving every month or two, it becomes a very different situation.
We return home 3 times a year for about 4 weeks to get our fill. We do understand what you are saying though. It seems things change a little each time we go back. Thank you for watching and commenting, David!
Even moving to another city for 10 years, then moving back....your friends have had to replace the vacuum of your relationship with someone else. We experienced this here in the USA.
I follow a lot of travel channels, this is my very favorite. I think because you feel like you're listening to friends giving you valuable advice while not taking themselves too seriously and never being judgemental or negative, even when discussing negative subjects like crappy AirBnB hosts :) CHEERS and BE SAFE!!
My husband and I love to travel and adventure. I always love coming home. We have adult children, grandchildren and pets. I can’t imagine not watching my grandchildren grow up! They are my heart ❤️. I love your courage and sense of adventure. For me there’s no place like home!
Community hobbies is what stopped our plan for long term travel. We only travel 3 mths in the winter season. It’s great to arrive home and enjoy all our projects again.
Great topic. My spouse and I started slow travel on October 1 last year right after I retired at age 67. I turn 68 next month. I am in great shape, walk an average of 16.000 steps and can still hike up steep, difficult mountains. So, we plan on continuing this lifestyle for a long time. I’ve had a healthy year, but recently I had a very bad cold, which has kept me in for a few days for some bed rest. Our apartment in Santiago Chile is very comfortable…but I missed the comfort and familiarity of home. I’m recovering really well now, but I know that in the future when I need to physically slowdown, it will be at home.
I’m 67 and have been slow traveling for 2 years. I spent 3 weeks in Santiago last year. I fell on one of those slippery tile sidewalks when it was raining. It happen so fast without any breaking my fall. I banged up my shoulder and was pretty sore for a couple of weeks. Be careful on those sidewalks, especially while raining. I too walk everyday, but usually only 13,000 steps. Good for you at 16,000.
What I love about you guys is that you always keep it real. My husband and myself are 67 and 68 and are in decent shape just returned from a trip to Northern Italy which included hiking in the Dolomites. But even though healthcare maybe good in other countries, continuity of care is important if an issue arises. My husband develped an arrthymia last year and had a battery of tests and a procedure, hard to do if you are on the road. We both retired at 65 and since we turned 50 have tried to do a European vacation once a year. Everyone has different retirement goals, but we can relate to everyone of your concerns for having a home base close to family and the ease of familiarity. Cheers to you enjoying safe and happy travels.
I used to dream of doing this but after a few rounds of cancer I would be very nervous. While that put the damper on traveling, we still travel as much as we can. For now we will live abroad through you guys. Thanks for the content.
We have been watching you guys for a while now and planning for our post work life. Trying to balance the desire for adventure and travel with the needs of healthcare, family and community is our biggest challenge. This video addressed those issues. Well done!
This was VERY spot on and eye opening! For me, my perfect combination would be to stay in Europe for a few months at a time and come back home. A little here, a little there. Thanks for a great video!!
First of all, absolutely love your channel for the great content and the sincere way you present it. Secondly, we leave tomorrow for Antalya, thanks to your video. I’ll have a beer and cheer you guys. Regarding the topic of this video, we found an ideal lifestyle almost by accident. We retired in April 2020, and after taking the RV to Florida that winter, decided to downsize and move to an RV resort on the Gulf Coast. Once the European travel restrictions lifted, we flew to Germany to visit my wife’s charming hometown in the wine district of Baden Wurttemberg in the summer of 2021 and to meet her family. We fell in love with the town, and decided to rent her brother’s apartment at a very attractive rate. We now enjoy winters in Florida, summers in the cutesy part of Germany, and still spend 2 weeks in spring and fall with the kids and grandkids in Colorado. We use our time in Florida for our medical and dental checkups (Medicare is a big plus for sure) and our time in Germany as an excellent homebase for exploring Europe and Turkey as well as attending the local Fests that are such a charming part of the lifestyle here. Oh yeah, they also craft some truly amazing beer here ;^). One benefit of European living that I think is underappreciated is the quality of food, without all those additives. We have trouble adjusting to US food when we return. Thanks again for all you do on this channel. You are two delightful people sharing an amazing journey with us. Thank you
This sounds like the best of both worlds! Good for you two!! German beer is some of the best! The food in the US is definitely below the European standard and we notice while home. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! 😊🍻🍻
You guys are great! You and a few other channels are playing a big part in our inspiration and preparation for our full time world wandering journey and UA-cam Channel! It's definitely interesting and reassuring to to hear your perspective on things that could eventually get you to stop the full time travel. For us I think our military time may have prepared us well for a lot of these concerns. We have no kids and no pets, haven't lived within a 1000 miles of family since we joined the military in 2010, are accustomed to missing holidays (only been home for Christmas 3 or 4 times in 14 years), moved to new locations every few years, deployed overseas multiple times for months on end, I've never had a primary care provider (just used whatever military medical is in the area), and so on. Definitely agree that if nothing else happens before then, there will definitley come a day when age makes us settle down, but we will both be under 40 when we start our journey so hopefully there will be many years of travel before then.
It does sound like the military has prepared you well for this lifestyle and to be under 40 when you start is amazing!! Without our military this lifestyle may not be an option so thank you for your service, Bill!!
It's scary leaving the good old USA. I'm retiring in Thailand. The cost of living is low, food is healthy, and it's strategically located to other countries. I won't miss the high cost of living in the States. The divisive politics and the difficulty making new connections. It's different for a married couple, for sure.
The timing for your future plans are right on! I did tons of travel for decades starting in the mid 1980’s. Covid stopped all that. The more I look at things now, the more I think I’ll either stay put completely, or just leave for part of the SoCal gray sky season May to July. I really like things simple. Living in more than one place means more complexity. -Elizabeth
We also quickly dispensed with becoming a full time expat for many of the reasons you mentioned. I like the term “Flexpat” so you don’t become a tax resident. We’ve decided to align our travels with our values that allow high quality volunteer opportunities (e.g., New Zealand and Australia). Now 50% of our travel time is spent volunteering. We have made a lot of great friendship and have an established network and sense of community.
My wife and I have traveled the world extensively. Prior to the pandemic, we also had plans to live full time overseas. But ultimately we decided that we need a home base in the USA for visiting family and friends, and for a familar and 'comfortable' routine. We still plan to travel (a lot), but having a home base is essential (for us).
Great video about issues that some people forget about, we tend to have the discussion on an ongoing basis since we sold everything and started travel in 2017. Carrie's comment about the grocery store hit me right in the feels. I love the challenge of shopping in international locations and discovering new things, but there are times I just want to walk into our local store and get exactly what I am looking for so I can make our comfort meal instead of spending an hour bumbling around trying to find a substitute. We don't miss a home base exactly but just some of the things that come with it like groceries and not having to get up at 3 am to watch the soccer. The way we travel has definitely changed and what we consider comfortable is much different then it used to be. We go back "home" every couple of years and we have started staying a bit longer or going back more frequently and we do know that eventually we will settle there... but not yet! Still so many experiences to have and who knows what could happen that could affect the decision.
We are always willing to make a change whenever necessary. Coming home more often, staying in one location for longer. Or even cutting time short when needed. We have learned to do whatever feels right. Thank you for watching and communicating!! 😄
This is one of the luxuries that some of us recognize. You can ALWAYS change your mind. I am enjoying traveling right now. I'm the opposite in that I don't miss things I'm accustomed to; I appreciate the difference. But that could change. Please continue to live life on your own terms.
I completely agree with having a home base, if not only for the reason of planning ahead for the next phase post-travel but also in the event (heaven forbid) something unexpected happens now and you all of the sudden really need to be in one spot with familiar systems, language, people, etc. I find that a lot of the "retire and travel the world while you can" YT'ers don't ever talk about setting yourself up for the post-travel phase when you are significantly older and less interested/able to buy (rent) a house, buy furniture, buy a car, find a doctor, refamiliarize yourself with things, etc. I hope people remember that you're going to need your finances in a decent spot to be able to make that transition and also recognize that it will represent a fair amount of physical and mental/emotional effort as well. This goes a step further when thinking about budgeting for assisted living, nursing care, memory care.... There are a lot of hard discussions and things to plan for if you want the last few years of your life to be lived on your own terms.
These are all things that need to be thought about well in advance. Nothing to worry about or discourage you from living your dream of travel but at least have a plan for when the time comes. Thank you for watching and adding to the channel!! 😊❤️
When I head back to the US in November, I’m going to build a tiny house on wheels for my home base when I am back home. I’ve built one before, and like being a full time traveler, I love being a minimalist. Now I will own a suitcase AND a tiny house. NO, property tax, homeowners insurance and jumping through all the bureaucratic hassles.
If you're not careful, you'll talk yourself out of travel altogether. Seriously, we've arrived at similar conclusions and are keeping our house in the US as a home base.
Having a family doctor has changed from even 5 years ago. Family physicians as well as specialists change locations and systems on a regular basis. The expense and quality of healthcare is yet another subject.
Recently, my husband and I discussed the possibility of living abroad permanently, as some retirees do. We are in our mid 50's and semi-retired. The game changer that helped us deter that decision, was as you mentioned, the various comforts of living here in the United States, such as the usual grocery store we shop at, family gatherings, etc. Funny you should mention a houseboat, as my husband and I on a whim today, mentioned this possibility!😄
We hear expats complain about the US and the issues our country has all the time. The fact is, the United States is our home, and we love coming back 3 times a year to visit. The houseboat idea is a good one! It's nice to dream!! 😁 Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. ❤️
@@BrianandCarrie What I learned from experts on YT about boating is that 10% of the purchase price goes for repairs each year, on average. Then there is that smell caused by mould. And motion sickness. Still, it's nice to see all those nice boats in Florida and California, at least on YT. Every video I am watching these days that talks about home prices falling fast or the upcoming stock market crash gets 100k views per day.
Great video! We're only two years into being nomadic. I know eventually we will get a home base. It may not be in the United States, but we really don't know yet. That comfort of not having a language barrier is really nice. Right now we are going home every other year for the holidays, but that may change, we may want to be home every year. That's the greatest thing about this life, being able to pivot.
Learning to pivot is critical. You don't have to be locked in to doing the nomadic life a certain way. Just a way that works for you. Thank you for watching!! 😊
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what your end game is. It's always good to have a plan in mind for your later years, bearing in mind that plans can change, as they did when you started your journey. Going back to the US might be what I ultimately do as well when I get to a very advanced age, but for now I see things gradually distilling down to 3 or 4 home bases and perhaps having one of those be my eventual permanent spot. But who knows! As for assisted living outside the US, there are indeed options just like in the US but for a fraction of the price in places like Thailand. Thanks again for sharing! Cheers!
We have followed/subscribed since the beginning and we always had the "long term" question in mind. We are frequent travelers [retired] and really enjoy your content - thank-you for that!! It was great to hear the last piece of the puzzle, as we know, continuous travel is not really sustainable, Thanks again!!
Please continue to share your thoughts on your lifestyle (past, present and future). It inspires us and makes us think about our own choices. It's very helpful!
A lot of good points, for anyone interested in slow traveling. Keep up the great work. You guys made many informative videos while in Budapest. Safe travels.
All the reasons for your returning to the US as an end game are valid. There's nothing comparing to the experiences shared and cherished with family and friends, the connection that I also miss. Having said that I can say for most other reasons such as knowing where things are in the grocery stores, having different seasons, carrying out cooking, baking hobbies, having a pet, investing, etc...even having a dryer can be solved by being a long term resident in one country while still enjoy the benefit of cheaper cost of living, healthier lifestyle of being in Europe. For Brian, having a football gathering can be accomplished. The only problem is the 9 hour time difference might impose a challenge. When your grand children are all grown up, I invite you to try out living abroad in one place for about 2 years to see how you feel. I think having a "home" also helps aleviating some homesickness. If you consider this option, I invite you to consider France. It's more affordable than you think. Please feel free to have a conversation with me in private.
You make a good argument, Teri. The nice thing about what we are doing is that we can change our minds depending on the situation. We don't know what the future holds but know that we can adjust as needed. Thank you for the comments and for supporting the channel! ❤️
Everyone has to choose their own path. The only thing I would challenge is the idea that being an expat limits you in any way. We are expats in Mexico where we can easily travel back to the states for family visits and we have a Home base to relax in.
We are currently in Mexico and love the fact that we are finally in the same time zone and an easy flight back to Seattle if needed! Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🍻
Appreciate your honesty, I was thinking about doing exactly the same but I agree with all the reasons you mentioned. We will slow travel but will keep our home base so we can come back “home”. Thanks
I traveled in my younger ages around the world and no regrets .now I am older I don’t care much about traveling . I just visit my homeland for 2-3 months and come back to my second home .and I love it
Thanks for the honesty. I feel like most people don’t discuss this. They all make traveling seem perfect and don’t even think about some of the long term plans. Thanks for the honesty.
Was looking forward to slow travel. Liked the idea of going to IST, ATH, etc for a month or more to get know them. BUT, we now have two grandkids that live 20 mins away that we see 2 or 3 times a week along with some overnight babysitting. Don't want to give that up - but maybe we could do one month away, two at home. Really appreciate your insights!
Less expensive slow travel enables us to have a larger nest egg if we decide to eventually settle down near friends and family in a more expensive location.
Super interesting video! I am subscribing for sure. My partner and I sold our home in the US and bought a home in the USVI were we spend the winter months. When hurricane season comes each year in June we close the property up and fully prepare it as if a catastrophic storm is on the way. In doing this, we do not look back and enjoy several months of traveling. Last year it was 88 days in Italy and Spain as well as visit relatives and doctors in the States. This year we are following the same plan and have been to Croatia, Austria, Germany and now back in Italy. It works very well for us. The main downside to this way of live is that while we own our USVI home and property taxes are low there the actual cost of living in The USVI is very high otherwise. Since we use home exchanges for a certain percentage of our travel we are considering many factors relating to if we were to relocate our home to a lower cost US state of even a lower cost European county where we might want to reside. We are going start watching you both as this was the first time we have come across your channel. Btw: We are age 55 and 59 respectively.
We are grateful that you found us and subscribed! Thank you. It is nice to have options within the US or an affordable place outside the US. Safe travels!! 😀🤎
Hello Carrie and brian! Great video really enjoyed it Jennifer and I are going to Rome in April got a really nice repositioning cruise going to be over there doing the Schengen shuffle for 6 months. You guys mentioned about Medicare overseas Medicare will not cover anyone overseas just FYI. That I am aware of. I've called them numerous times and they keep telling me no. We are starting to downsize for the next 7 months but we will have friends stay at our small home when we are gone, because as you said as you get older you seek out a home base and our house is paid off and we would not want to come back to the states without a home base. Our dear friends are struggling with hard times so we offered our home to them for the time that we are gone so at least we have someone watching our place . We follow many Nomads on UA-cam but you by far are the best ! We just wanted to share that with you!! Have a beautiful day!❤❤❤❤
@BillandJennTraveling Re: Medicare, when you travel outside the U.S., most Medigap plans cover emergency health care, with a lifetime limit of $50,000. Those plans include C, D, F, G, M & N...D being the prescription drug plan. Plans may: Cover foreign travel emergency care if it begins during the first 60 days of your trip, and if Medicare doesn't otherwise cover the care. Pay 80% of the billed charges for certain medically necessary emergency care outside the U.S. after you meet a $250 deductible for the year. If you have plans E, H, I, and J that are no longer sold, they still cover foreign travel emergency care. And plans C & F aren’t available if you turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020. And some Advantage plans may cover emergencies. So, after a $250 deductible you'll pay 20% of medically necessary emergency care. The next question, how much will you have to fight the insurance companies on what is "medically necessary emergency care"? 🤷♂ Probably best to inquire before hand? 🤔 And then still fight them afterwards. 🤭 FYI, I sourced this all from Medicare.gov, but verify for yourself. 👍 Good luck (from a Utah neighbor)
My original plan was to find a low-cost home base in Asia or Eastern Europe to retire and travel from there. At age 63, I’ve lived and worked in 40 countries since 1990, so I had a good idea of what to expect. But then I was able to reduce my living expenses in Chicago to just $1800 a month including rent, plus I have a business here that brings in extra income to supplement my Social Security and pension. So my new strategy is to keep my place in the US as my home base and travel 2-3 months, twice a year.
You guys are awesome! You always enlighten, inform and entertain in your videos. Thank you for your realistic commentary surrounding the subjects we all think about, but rarely address. I agree with everything you said! I absolutely LOVE travel, but it’s always so comforting to sleep in your own bed when you arrive home. I’m sure you have many years of travel and exploration ahead of you, however it’s so very important to be home for the milestones of kids and grandkids. You seem to incorporate those things nicely! I’m looking forward to your next adventure; blessings ❤️
Great video, guys. I enjoy your view, and I often take note of your experiences. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. We are still in Türkey for another month and will be heading back to the states on a repositioning ship (Thanks for that idea) We have 7 days left on Schengeng and will head to Sitges to get on 18 days transatlatic out of Barcelona port, 18 days, headed to Miami. I look forward to seeing our family and hitting the road to Baja again, in our Skoolie. BTW- I saw you may be going to Merida. October is Breast Cancer month, and that's where I do mine, along with my Gyn. Even if you're a full-time traveler, you can have your favorite doctors in a different country. Happy travels and enjoy your family time.
We will be going to Merida next month. You make a very good point about having a regular doctor somewhere other than where you are from. Thank you! Enjoy Türkiye and the cruise home!! ❤️😁
These are the exact same thoughts that have gone through our mind too and interestingly enough we reached the same conclusions. That's why we've decided our happy ground is summer in our home in the UK and winter travelling to nice warm places. I loved the way Brian said "houseboat" without batting an eyelid.........he'd be superb in a captain's hat out on the keys at two thirsty o'clock....😂
We have been mostly chasing the sun but have found that we miss the changing of the seasons. We will always avoid the 9 months of grey skies back in Bellingham WA. 😊 The houseboat idea is a good one for sure! 😉
Thanks for hoenst thoughts ❤...seniors who want to be full-time travelers are most those who didn't have chance to travel at young age . We always encourage pur kids to travel far as posible because your young full energy and expansion of mind experience before haveing a family.... to us , we had traveled all of the world since 30s . So travel full time after retirement isn't a thing for us. We are getting older, we focus on LONGEVITY. Wellbeings . Regular life routines, good rest ,slow pasted life are good for longevity. But we continue to travel global 2 twice a year ,thats enough. 😊😊
We would agree. Each of our paths was different than most. We started our families in our teens so didn't have the opportunity to travel at a young age. We are now in the position where our kids are now adults in their mid-20s to mid-30s. We are doing it backwards. 😁 Thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️
@@BrianandCarrie absolutely agreed with u as well. Sometimes we saw others living abroad or traveling around at senior ages JUST because cost of living is cheaper out there . But if we WOULD be able to afford a little bit more quality life , wouldn't sacrifice our health and comfort. Life is too short.
Another quality video. As far as pets go, I think the other thing to consider is what is in the best interests of the pet. Pets generally crave structure and a familiar space. Different places, hotels, weird food etc would likely not be in their best interest. Even slow travel likely is not best for an animal. It would also be a potential hassle with baggage on trains, buses and planes. Of course family and friends take precedence over sports teams and games with similar fans. I like the addressing the 15 year plan for 53-68 and then the later years (68-83) etc - - many talk about the go-go years, slo-go years and no-go years. I had no doubt that you have talked about this. Other younger vloggers I wouldn't have the same confidence. Always good to have the conversation. You continue to do what I would dream of doing and seeing the world as you have. Cheers to both.
Thank you for your insight. Yes, one may want to sail/travel the world, but few people stay on that boat forever - i.e. home is home (for many/us). And travel takes a lot of energy, at least for us. Still looking for our balance. Heath issues make it all harder - such is life, so do it while we/you can, for sure. Keep the faith and stay safe.
I recently started watching your channel and am glad that you find the silver linings of travel and home. I know this is very important to you because Carrie's rate of speed when she talks about they "why's" just about doubles. We're retired and we are about to start "seriously" traveling but we are going to keep our house because we need to be near to family and because, "there's no place like home".
We return "home" three times a year. We find it to be a recharge to get back on the road. We are happy that you found our channel! Thank you for watching! 😊
I’m in WA met Brian in Birch Bay! I have a newer trailer in an RV park in BB for 500 a month. It’s an affordable option to have a place to come back to without the huge expense of an apartment or house. I’ll probably get something larger as I age and stay home more. I get wanting a place to come back to it’s important to me as well. And this place is walking distance to The Beach Bar. lol
Great point, you two! Ultimately, that's why we chose both to buy a place in Europe, but to have our base at home in the US. We have a place to call home in both continents, and also to keep our dogs. Any choice is not always perfect, but we tried to get as close as we could to something that works for us. Very insightful video...thanks.
Finding what works best for you is all that matters. We get comments about "why didn't we do this?" or "why not do that?" Well, we don't want to. 😁 Thank you for watching and supporting the channel, Danny!! 🍻😊
My plan is to get a permanent residency first. (In Ecuador it takes two yrs.) And THEN I'll do my slow travel after that. I'm happy to study my Spanish during these two years too, so I'll have it available to me during my travel years
We are reducing our belongings and trying extended time away, but definitely we will be keeping our home. We have downsized and made the updates for us to age in place. Being 67 and 63 these are easy choices for us.
Thanks for sharing this with your viewers - even if it's none of our damn business. You are a lovely example of a couple that works well together and a welcome breath of fresh air.
It could be interesting for you guys to experiment residency in another country for 1 year to see if you like it. That gives you time to find doctors you like, do volunteer work, develop a community, etc. and enjoy some of the perks of life outside the US. Depending on the time zone, indeed, this might not solve the sports-watching dilemma ;) Karyn
Don't take this the wrong way, but your videos are now my go-to when I need background noise to fall asleep (calming voices I guess?). I do listen to them awake too, they are interesting 😅
Bonjourno, Brian and Carre! Thank you for the informative videos. We are now considering moving to Italy with the Elective Retirement Visa (ERV). Since the Portland condo market is down, we will rent our condo and visit the country in the spring. Grazie! Dean & Cindy
I wouldn’t move out of the country while my mom is alive. After that, I definitely will. I don’t like how things are turning out in my town. I particularly think the USA is missing its charm, but I totally understand your point. Safe travels!
The US absolutely has its issues, and we do like to escape certain aspects! But it's our home and we have found that every country has its own set of problems as well. Thank you for watching and commenting! We appreciate your time. 😊🍻
Great topic, and as you say, much depends on individual travelers. My spouse and I started slow travel almost a year ago right after retiring at age 67. I soon turn 68. I am in great shape and can still hike up moderately difficult steep mountains. It has been
I feel for you, Brian. We're traveling over to Bulgaria on the fifteenth for three weeks and I'm not looking forward to watching my Seahawks at three in the morning. Another great video, you two. Thanks again!
@@BrianandCarriewhat site do you use to stream the games? I am currently in Montenegro and tried every link on nflbite for the Hawks-Broncos game but none of the links worked. 🙁 I wound up streaming the local Seattle radio broadcast. Hoping to find a way to stream Seahawks and Huskies games the rest of this season. 🤞 Thanks for any suggestions.
@@BrianandCarrie Thanks! I always have my VPN working with a US server on my fire stick and am able to stream Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. Just couldn't find a functioning link for the Hawks game. 🙁 For the next game I'll try your suggestion. Thanks!
Was too early in the morning on my last reply. 😅 Yes, I do use a firestick (with nordvpn) for Hulu and Prime, but I was trying to stream the Seahawks game on my laptop with nordvpn connected to a US server. Just couldn't find a link that was a legit stream for the game. Hopefully NFLreddit will save me this weekend. And hoping reddit will have working links for the Huskies, Mariners, and Kraken too. 🙂 Cheers! 🍻
Leaving for Greece tomorrow for four weeks and I’m already missing my home and dog! We love traveling however we miss our home, kids, and family, 49 years in the US and still miss the US when abroad.
I get the convenience of the US, but the Healthcare, the outrageous cost of living, homelessness , violence (Two shootings nearby my house and I live in Rancho Santa Margarita, the second safest city in California), political division and the cost of nursing homes made completely change my mind about the USA. I was planning to spend winters in California (Great weather) and summers in my country, Northern Spain (Asturias) and now I am thinking to fully retired in Spain. The elderly in the USA have been left out in many ways and I totally understand why they want to move to more affordable countries. Now, if your vision of retirement and you can afford it, it is to pay $6,000 a month for a nursing home (If you loose mobility $8,000 to $10,000) and being drug out all the time so like that they don't really have to take care of you, I do respect your opinion.
Ha! I want those comforts now (especially my own comfy bed). By the time I retire, I'm afraid there's no way I'll be able to handle those hard Airbnb beds:) There's something special about coming home after a long trip.
Great topics. I was curious if you have any special medical airlift service for those unforeseen medical emergencies where you would have to come back to the states from hospital to hospital.
I didn't really start working toward retirement until I was 40 (Im 45 now), but I was able to buy a really inexpensive house in Spain, and then this year I bought an affordable condo in Florida. I'm working to pay off the condo in 5 years and am hoping to retire between 50 and 55. I work remotely and make a below average salary, but thanks to side hustles and really looking for the right deals, I can have a home base in two locations and still travel quite a bit as well. I agree that after traveling for a few years, realizing the value of community really stood out a lot more. I initially thought geographic arbitrage was the answer, but I've found other creative solutions to make both travel and community happen.
In the 1550s, a French poet, Joachim Du Bellay wrote this poem: Heureux qui, comme Ulysse, a fait un beau voyage.. Happy is he who, like Ulysses, has made a beautiful journey, Or like that man who conquered the fleece, And then returned, full of use and reason, To live among his parents the rest of his life! This poem, 500 years later, shows that human nature has not changed. You can find it, translated on the net. Edifying..😊
Hi Guys! We're in escrow and about to hit the road. You have mentioned the Larq water bottle in a previous video and have linked on your website. Curious if you could let me know which technology you went with, filter or light. Also, best size for travel. And, if you are generally happy with it. Thank you so much! Paul & Julie from Bellevue!
Congratulations!! This is so exciting! We have the 25 oz with the light and the filter. Since we purchased ours Larq has some new options and technology that include the light, filter and other options.
Sure, there will always be reasons for staying in the US but I try not to overthink them. I travel solo so my decisions pretty much only affect me. I spent most of my life doing what I had to do now that I’m retired I do what I desire, travel.
Glad you brought up sports. Living in Europe & watching games until 5 or 6 in the morning, makes your whole weekend is out of sync especially if you watch College & Pro football. But you are right it's not as much fun to drink beer alone at 4am. & when your team does good there is never anyone to HI-five!!
I'm traveling full time as well but my plans were always to eventually return back to the US and re-establish my home base there. I actually like living in the US and it's by far my favorite country to live, I'm traveling full time simply to see as much of the world as I can, not to "escape" the US like some people are doing.. and when I am on the road I do miss the US. I'm here in Madrid in an Airbnb, there is a washer, but when I asked about the dryer the host points to a clothes line in the yard, "that's your dryer" 😁 Luckily no rain for the next few days.
We would agree with this. We are traveling to enjoy the experience. We decided to start this adventure to escape the high cost of living in the Seattle region and add something new to our lives. We are always excited for the next country to explore but equally as excited to go back to where we are from.
I kept my house in the UK ,rented it out and have been travelling continuously for the last 10 years I know it probably wasn’t the best financial decision but that’s what I chose . Am about to move back into my property and decide my next move , hopefully a new home on the UK coast from where I intend to do more travelling but shorter trips . Also , I totally get the need for your own place , I am really looking forward to being in my own space . Food options are better for me here too , I can cook and feed myself so cheaply . I am seeing my home town as a tourists point of view too and have decided that Bath England has as much to offer as many other European cities ❤.
Sometimes the best decision for you isn't the best financially. If we had made the best financial decision, we would still be working 9-5 back home. We have absolutely no regrets.
Its a good topic for serious consideration. You hit all the points that directs you back to Home Sweet Home. In your situation If I guessed right, you are in the early 50s, the health insurance will be a big $$ item to deal with unless you want to take up a job upon return (highly unlikely to start all over...). So that leaves the option to continue doing what you are doing now until you hit 65, and at that time it makes the decision easy with SS (though reduced amt. because have to hit 67, and if any money left over with SS) coming in and Medicare kicking in. Tough decision now, and easy one at 65 in my opinion.
Health insurance will be the biggest issue moving forward. The decision now is easy because we are enjoying what we are doing. We will see how we feel at 60 and still have a few years left for Medicare.
US definitely gets points for dryers!! Church is also a big one for us. We’re a nomadic family and your reasons are completely valid. You guys have it figure out. Travel now that you’re young and when it’s retirement age or your golden years then slow down. The west has taught us the reverse. You guys have it right. Best of luck with all your travels. 😊
I think you are on the right path. Our goals and needs change throughout life and later you will want a comfortable base, of course. We're in the slow-go time of our lives and chose Seattle for our home base. With no cars and no debt, we have been able to downsize our footprint and peg our budget to less than approximately $4000 per month and we travel a lot throughout the year much of that to Europe and Asia. We cruise several weeks per year and do not feel the need to skimp on everything. My wife wants to fly business class for long-haul flights and even though we are not extravagant, we enjoy the experience of travel as much as anyone. My hobby is travel and I spend many hours every week planning our trips. I have been involved in designing my own travel since high school. My HS principal was a bad influence on me ;-) I don't see that diminishing until I am unable to do it. Most of our immediate family members are deceased. We do have 2 granddaughters, but they are both teenagers now and I don't need to tell you that means they are becoming more distant ;-) There is little to keep us stateside but the convenience of knowing our base city is important which is why we would not choose to be expats or digital nomads at our age. We both love the climate of the Northwest. Our Medicare Advantage plan covers emergency healthcare offshore. Of course, we would need to pay for it and return the receipts to make a claim, but we have used dentists abroad and had excellent results. I am confident medical treatment can be as good offshore as what we have available here.
This is a great comment! We would agree with all that you said except for the climate in Seattle!! 😁 That is one of the biggest reasons we wanted to leave the area and travel!! 50 years in the rain is enough!! Thank you for taking the time to watch and add your comments. It is very much appreciated! 😊
@@BrianandCarrie Your channel is one of our favs. We have learned a lot from you two. Keep up the great content. We will continue to watch. I spent most of my life in Southern California. I used to believe that 70 degrees and sunshine was perfect weather. I traveled a lot in my career covering the 19 Western states and was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the Fall several times. The color change there made a massive impression on me. A friend once said that more than 40% of Southern California was covered with concrete and asphalt. As I aged I grew to love the 4 seasons including a little rain and as you know, Seattle has less of that than Bellingham. 😉 Now my wife and I avoid the sun whenever we travel to a sunny destination in the Winter. If you grew up in the mountains, you probably want to live at the sea's edge. If you grew up on the shore, you might prefer to live in the mountains. We all seem to want whatever is on the other side of the fence. It's the fence that makes us feel that way. 🙃
Thanks for this discussion of your ultimate future plans. I have followed you for a couple of years, and I have discerned a gradual disenchantment with the life of constant travel, and at the same time, a growing pull toward your home area with its familiarity and family comforts. We are leaving the US in two weeks for a year of travel (starting with London, a tour of Tunisia, and 3 months in 3 parts of Italy, probably headed to Asia next), and are expecting to want to extend that for a second year at least. We are retirement age, and do not expect trouble accessing our SS and other funds from the US or with legal matters. We will maintain Medicare, but pay cash for care abroad. We have interest in setting up a home base again in the future, and possibly in Italy or France--I have researched it and know it can be difficult and time-consuming, but if it's feasible we think we would enjoy that change. It's different for us--although we love our families, they are all spread out geographically, and we don't have that hometown situation, but we will visit the US annually. We are also accustomed to spending most holidays away from family members already, but will encourage them to visit us. We have encouraging signs that we can gradually make friends in our future home locations, and we are undeterred by cooking with ingredients in markets around the world. Let's see if our travel experiences change our views on any of that! We are both open to recognizing however we feel along the way--positive or negative. So far my biggest problem is how to squeeze enough into my carry-on suitcase--my new mottos are "no cute outfits!" and "they have stores there." Here we go!
You will have an amazing adventure! And yes, expect things to change along the way. 😁 This all sounds very exciting!! Safe travels and thank you for watching!!
@@BrianandCarrie I do know things will change along the way and I am curious to see how. I don’t see full time travel as a permanent lifestyle, but can imagine two years of it before settling somewhere and traveling part-time. Have a great time in Mexico!
I appreciate this conversation so much. My husband and I are both 54 and we want to move to Spain but with our 20 old at home and our older son is having his first child we feel like we are in a holding pattern. Feel like we might miss out because of family obligations. I wish we had had a 10 year span to explore between our raising our kids and caring fir parents and before starting grandparenting. Looking at how to do it with all the people who factor in to the situation.
We decided that we raised our children and made plenty of sacrifices along the way. This may sound selfish but it's our turn now. We are returning home three times a year for a month at a time and have found the time spent with loved ones is quality time with a deeper connection. Our original plan was to move to Portugal but decided that we needed to return home for the reasons that you mentioned. We recently did a video on full-time travel over moving to one location, it may be helpful to watch. Thank you for the comments and for watching the channel. ❤️
thank u! The cool thing is our kids are super supportive of us living our dream so we just need to start working through the obstacles one at a time and just make it happen. Thanks for the information and the inspiration ❤
Agree with Carrie here. As mothers, we make tons of sacrifices and postpone doing things while we are raising our children. “Now it’s our turn” Our children wouldn’t think twice about moving to another country and take our grandchildren far away. Sadly, they will not hesitate to put us in a nursing home and don’t even visit. That is my observation in the American culture.
As a father, Carrie and I each raised our kids and made sacrifices. Always having a 40+ hour work week at a young age was a challenge but decades later with three beautiful daughters made all the sacrifices worth it.
Our plan is to stay at our mobile park resort in our home area of canada for 6 months. Sell our house and travel the other 6....that way we have home base in a way....its not a cheap park but had beaches..pools....live music ....lots entertaknment...bike riding....so keeps us entertained and close to most family but like a vacation....
I can also rent my trailer out and use that money for summer travel.....this way it's cheaper then maintaining a home....our house has been for sale 4 months now so that's holding us up lol but I love watching your videos
I will be resetting my permanent residency to Italy in a couple of years. My Italian husband wants his turn to be at home and I completely understand. So, I need to deal with all the details. One small step at a time. Comfort creatures are easy. Family and friends are happy to tuck them into a suitcase as house gifts and Amazon works, too. I can buy a dryer and an AC unit. Creating a community of other travelers and expats is key for support. Family, especially grandchildren can be a big part of that. Medicare and social security are automatically set up in the US and medical coverage in the EU costs less than all the Medicare add-ons and is excellent care. Legal stuff can be done from a distance and on a yearly visit home. We still plan to keep a small place and travel for another 10 years. We can rethink what feels comfortable at that time.
This sounds like a great, well-thought-out plan. Your last comment about rethinking is something we do all the time. It's ok to make adjustments as you go. Thank you, Griffin, for the comments. 😊
My husband is from Sweden. I lived there for 4 years long ago. We discuss moving back often. The weather in Sweden is a drawback. Otherwise conveniences are very similar, even better, to USA. Wishing you a good life in Italy. Permanently settling in one spot should be easier than constantly moving around the world… fun and interesting as that lifestyle is.
I would like to have a homebase here in the US and be near my kids and future grandkids. I also love the fall. However, I feel like now is the right time to travel while i am in good health. I will see where my kids settle, and eventually, live near them. I've asked them to have an extra room for me!😊
There is no Badge of UA-cam Honor for doing anything you don’t want to do. Find your balance, ignore the other UA-camrs, do what serves you. Everything is temporary!
Your videos have been enjoyable and informative. It is understandable that with your travels that you have the difficulties of knowing all of the systems in each of the countries that you visit. If you were a resident for a longer period of time in one country, feeling more on a permanent basis, it would come easier. Having been a resident in two European countries, it just takes a little time. You are fortunate that much of the world speaks English and you can get some help when you need it. As far as health care, Medicare and such is no advantage for me to return to the US. The care that I have gotten here as an expat has been phenomenal and at little to no cost. My suggestion, take it or leave it, would be just to continue your travels as much as you want, with your ultimate goal to return to the US. It is evident that is where your heart is, based on the number of times that you said the word "HOME", in your video. Until you can let go of that word, a person cannot make it in another place.
I think it's important to think about the end game. We start our travels aged 60 in 6 weeks. We are so lucky, no dependants and both our parents have passed. We will still have 2 houses here in the UK, 1 of which is long term rented. The NHS here is getting to be really bad, you are lucky if you can get an appointment and never see the same GP. One thing is for sure, if we want to return to the UK, it would not be back to where we live now. Happy travels.... and remember, Pivot! 😂🤣
What are your thoughts on being a snowbird? We're from Ontario, Canada and live in Bucerias, Mexico during the winter. We've been travelling for three years after selling up and I find that having a base we come to for a few months each year to explore Mexico, South America and the Pacific blends well with our travels in our campervan in the summer and housesitting everywhere! It comes with a whole new set of challenges though....
We’ve been in Mexico for three years and have become part of the community. And it isn’t breaking the bank. We realized that we couldn’t afford to retire in the US. Our doctors are incredible and accessible. We have their cell phone numbers. I have zero regrets about living abroad and doubt we will return to the US.
We are in Mexico now and having a wonderful time!!
I’m really curious to hear about some of the best areas in Mexico for visiting and possibly spending an extended period. We have been down the Baja and the main touristy cities, but I am looking forward to hearing of your experiences.
Our first video will be out this Saturday! 😊
I spent a month in the San Patricio/Melaque area south of PV a few years ago. It was a wonderful experience and I felt very safe and welcome.
You will cause long term healthcare with problems, and most will have this as they age is unaffordable overseas! Their system is set up for healthy people!
Been out of the US for 15 years now living in Asia. We visit family every few years and we could care less about holidays and the commercial madness that surrounds them. When we visit, it's always off season. We do not miss the US at all: the processed foods and sedentary lifestyle, political chaos, divisions (and minority rule,) super expensive healthcare in relation to most of the industrialized world, endless consumerism... The longer we are not there, the more we feel this way. We'll be heading to Europe when I retire in 2025 and will slow travel until we find a spot to settle in. Traveling is great, but eventually, settling is the goal.
I am with you 💯 %. I am not disagreeing with Brian and Carrie, it's just my personal opinion. The USA is not affordable anymore for a lot of us, retired people. This video seems to aim more towards slow travel. My wife and I recently retired, and we can't wait to sell our house and move to Europe. We will most likely start in southern Spain. Cheers from Florida, USA. 🍻
@Peter-o5k Why should I renounce anything? Don't be so self righteous. I'm overseas with the US military. In fact, many of my Marine, Army, Air Force, and Navy buds feel the exact same way. They see how they can live abroad (in Europe as well) and know that when they get out of the military, it will be difficult for them to buy a house and afford the things that they can afford in other countries, especially if they are enlisted and don't have retirement pensions or the pensions of officers. So what do they do? They marry a local or just move/retire to the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, etc. where they can live on a military pension much more comfortably that they can in the US. That doesn't mean they don't love the country they are fighting or have fought for, but that they see the world as an opportunity for an easier life.
Yey to more traveling, exploring and living live to the fullest! I never want to settle in one place. Left the US 2 years ago, never been happier. I don't miss anything except my friends, but I made some new ones in Europe and I so love my life here now- it's so full of adventure,lots of history, great people, much safer than US, and I don't even want to talk about the food- the quality here is far more superior than in the US. Living the good life! I'm very grateful.
Just another perspective on coming home because of friends and family: We've been away and traveling for almost 18 years now and I honestly don't think our friends and family, are really that interested in seeing us. Not that they don't like us, it's just that we don't have a lot to relate to with them. Our worlds are simply different. I think we sometimes get this idea that we'll go back and things will be the same as when we last left...but they're not. We keep making new friends in other places and make an effort to maintain contact with them and that's OK. I think my point is that once you've left Mayberry, it's impossible to go back. What do you guys think? BTW, I'm 76 and haven't given a thought to my golden years. We're living them now and are still on the road 8 months a year. The curiosity and sense of adventure never ends. Besides, you get lots of senior discounts everywhere. :)
We would agree. We still maintain friendships back home, but life goes on without us being there. Like you say, that's ok! You learn who your good friends are compared to acquaintances. Thank you for the comments and for watching!! 😊
I think there is a saying. you can go home, but you can't go back.
@@richardlamm4826 That's a good one.
@@BrianandCarrie You might be surprised to discover that some friends and family not only do NOT understand why you travel ( because the are homebodies) But they also do not value the type of experiences that travel gives us. When I started traveling extensively in my early 50's, my best friend asked me how I endured all the "flight anxiety"? Truthfully, I love flying!! So that shocked me. Next some of my family couldn't believe why I didn't want to just stay home after my "work life" ended. Life has many different priorities. I do agree that as older age approaches perhaps some creature comforts will be more important, and I do not intend to sit in a rocking chair and watch TV if I can help it... LOL.. Enjoy!!
you guys are hitting on some very key and important points. This is why I've decided that I'm getting on the road, with my dog Pork Chop, within the next 18 months and while I'm still in my 50s. 10 months on a different continent, 2 months US. I have no idea what shape I'll be in at 65 (no one does), or what family obligations I'll have later in life etc.. I may love it, I may hate it, but one thing I know is that I am going to regret not trying. Thanks for all the info and safe travels!
Exactly! You may love it, you may hate it, but you will not regret it! Thanks to you and Pork Chop for watching and commenting!! 😁🍻
You're absolutely right, you'll regret it not trying. I've always wanted to live in a couple of foreign countries but unfortunately now 70 years old had heart surgery and struggling with my marriage, i still haven't given up but would feel better if I had someone with me. It's a definite no go with my husband. My kids are busy traveling frequently on their own to discover as many countries as they can. I'm at 60 countries so far so I'll just have to enjoy discovering more, so no regrets.😄
My husband and I purchased a RV and luckily we kept our house. I quickly discovered that I can only tolerate about 3 weeks of travel at a time. We have the best of both worlds. 😊
You do have the best of both worlds! We will travel the US someday in a sprinter van or something similar. Thank you for watching!! 😁
We can only tolerate 3 months maximum… we miss our community based hobbies back home.
Can I just mention a slight warning? The longer that you are away, the harder it is to go home. We left England in 1988. We have lived, worked and now retired in several different countries. The country that I knew, does not exist anymore. Places change, people change, cultural references change etc. If you are away for a long time and expect to go back to how it was, it may be a disappointment. We have known several folks who have lived and or worked abroad for a period of time, and it can be an adjustment and sometimes quite tough to go “home”. I am not saying it can’t be done, just be careful.
Just another small point. There is a difference between traveling through other countries and living in another country. When you live for a while in another country you get to know about doctors, lawyers etc. You often get to know a place through not only talking to locals but other expats that live there. When you live in a place for a while, you can get to know where to get your groceries, a lawyer who is used to dealing with foreigners, where to get cheaper medication, how to sort out your insurance, where and how to volunteer, how to join the local sketching group etc. If you keep moving every month or two, it becomes a very different situation.
Same. I have lived in England for 21 years now and it feels more
Like home to me than the US.
We return home 3 times a year for about 4 weeks to get our fill. We do understand what you are saying though. It seems things change a little each time we go back. Thank you for watching and commenting, David!
Even moving to another city for 10 years, then moving back....your friends have had to replace the vacuum of your relationship with someone else. We experienced this here in the USA.
I follow a lot of travel channels, this is my very favorite. I think because you feel like you're listening to friends giving you valuable advice while not taking themselves too seriously and never being judgemental or negative, even when discussing negative subjects like crappy AirBnB hosts :) CHEERS and BE SAFE!!
Thank you so much for the support, comments like this inspire us!! Thank you again!! 😊🍻
Thank you for sharing candidly your state of mind now, and how that has evolved over time. Really appreciate the insights.
Thank you, Margaret!
My husband and I love to travel and adventure. I always love coming home. We have adult children, grandchildren and pets. I can’t imagine not watching my grandchildren grow up! They are my heart ❤️. I love your courage and sense of adventure. For me there’s no place like home!
Community hobbies is what stopped our plan for long term travel. We only travel 3 mths in the winter season. It’s great to arrive home and enjoy all our projects again.
i love that you two always touch on topics in the full time travel lifestyle that are often not discussed!!
Thank you, Jess! We try to add something new. We appreciate the support. ❤️
Great topic. My spouse and I started slow travel on October 1 last year right after I retired at age 67. I turn 68 next month. I am in great shape, walk an average of 16.000 steps and can still hike up steep, difficult mountains. So, we plan on continuing this lifestyle for a long time. I’ve had a healthy year, but recently I had a very bad cold, which has kept me in for a few days for some bed rest. Our apartment in Santiago Chile is very comfortable…but I missed the comfort and familiarity of home. I’m recovering really well now, but I know that in the future when I need to physically slowdown, it will be at home.
Well stated, Jim. When the time comes, we will be home. Thank you for commenting and safe travels!
I’m 67 and have been slow traveling for 2 years. I spent 3 weeks in Santiago last year. I fell on one of those slippery tile sidewalks when it was raining. It happen so fast without any breaking my fall. I banged up my shoulder and was pretty sore for a couple of weeks. Be careful on those sidewalks, especially while raining. I too walk everyday, but usually only 13,000 steps. Good for you at 16,000.
What I love about you guys is that you always keep it real. My husband and myself are 67 and 68 and are in decent
shape just returned from a trip to Northern Italy which included hiking in the Dolomites. But even though healthcare
maybe good in other countries, continuity of care is important if an issue arises. My husband develped an arrthymia
last year and had a battery of tests and a procedure, hard to do if you are on the road.
We both retired at 65 and since we turned 50 have tried to do a European vacation once a year.
Everyone has different retirement goals, but we can relate to everyone of your concerns for having a home base
close to family and the ease of familiarity.
Cheers to you enjoying safe and happy travels.
Thank you, Donna! Unfortunately, healthcare will always be something that we have to consider.
I used to dream of doing this but after a few rounds of cancer I would be very nervous. While that put the damper on traveling, we still travel as much as we can. For now we will live abroad through you guys. Thanks for the content.
Sorry to hear this, Scott. 😔 Blessings. ❤️
Thank you so much for this wonderful video,for your authenticity,for sharing your thoughts, your experience, you're both awesome.
Thank you, George!
We have been watching you guys for a while now and planning for our post work life.
Trying to balance the desire for adventure and travel with the needs of healthcare, family and community is our biggest challenge. This video addressed those issues. Well done!
Thank you, Neil! 😊
This was VERY spot on and eye opening! For me, my perfect combination would be to stay in Europe for a few months at a time and come back home. A little here, a little there. Thanks for a great video!!
I like the idea! We will mix in a little South America and SE Asia as well. 😊Thank you for watching!!
Cheers! 🍻
First of all, absolutely love your channel for the great content and the sincere way you present it. Secondly, we leave tomorrow for Antalya, thanks to your video. I’ll have a beer and cheer you guys. Regarding the topic of this video, we found an ideal lifestyle almost by accident. We retired in April 2020, and after taking the RV to Florida that winter, decided to downsize and move to an RV resort on the Gulf Coast. Once the European travel restrictions lifted, we flew to Germany to visit my wife’s charming hometown in the wine district of Baden Wurttemberg in the summer of 2021 and to meet her family. We fell in love with the town, and decided to rent her brother’s apartment at a very attractive rate. We now enjoy winters in Florida, summers in the cutesy part of Germany, and still spend 2 weeks in spring and fall with the kids and grandkids in Colorado. We use our time in Florida for our medical and dental checkups (Medicare is a big plus for sure) and our time in Germany as an excellent homebase for exploring Europe and Turkey as well as attending the local Fests that are such a charming part of the lifestyle here. Oh yeah, they also craft some truly amazing beer here ;^). One benefit of European living that I think is underappreciated is the quality of food, without all those additives. We have trouble adjusting to US food when we return. Thanks again for all you do on this channel. You are two delightful people sharing an amazing journey with us. Thank you
This sounds like the best of both worlds! Good for you two!! German beer is some of the best! The food in the US is definitely below the European standard and we notice while home. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! 😊🍻🍻
You guys are great! You and a few other channels are playing a big part in our inspiration and preparation for our full time world wandering journey and UA-cam Channel!
It's definitely interesting and reassuring to to hear your perspective on things that could eventually get you to stop the full time travel. For us I think our military time may have prepared us well for a lot of these concerns. We have no kids and no pets, haven't lived within a 1000 miles of family since we joined the military in 2010, are accustomed to missing holidays (only been home for Christmas 3 or 4 times in 14 years), moved to new locations every few years, deployed overseas multiple times for months on end, I've never had a primary care provider (just used whatever military medical is in the area), and so on. Definitely agree that if nothing else happens before then, there will definitley come a day when age makes us settle down, but we will both be under 40 when we start our journey so hopefully there will be many years of travel before then.
It does sound like the military has prepared you well for this lifestyle and to be under 40 when you start is amazing!!
Without our military this lifestyle may not be an option so thank you for your service, Bill!!
It's scary leaving the good old USA. I'm retiring in Thailand. The cost of living is low, food is healthy, and it's strategically located to other countries. I won't miss the high cost of living in the States. The divisive politics and the difficulty making new connections. It's different for a married couple, for sure.
We loved our time in Thailand for all the reasons that you mention. The politics in the US is ridiculous!
The timing for your future plans are right on! I did tons of travel for decades starting in the mid 1980’s. Covid stopped all that. The more I look at things now, the more I think I’ll either stay put completely, or just leave for part of the SoCal gray sky season May to July. I really like things simple. Living in more than one place means more complexity. -Elizabeth
Very true, Elizabeth. Finding what works best for you is key.
We also quickly dispensed with becoming a full time expat for many of the reasons you mentioned. I like the term “Flexpat” so you don’t become a tax resident. We’ve decided to align our travels with our values that allow high quality volunteer opportunities (e.g., New Zealand and Australia). Now 50% of our travel time is spent volunteering. We have made a lot of great friendship and have an established network and sense of community.
Volunteering is a great why to spend your time! Flexpat, that is a good one! 😊 Thanks, John for all your comments!
My wife and I have traveled the world extensively. Prior to the pandemic, we also had plans to live full time overseas. But ultimately we decided that we need a home base in the USA for visiting family and friends, and for a familar and 'comfortable' routine. We still plan to travel (a lot), but having a home base is essential (for us).
Having a home base would be ideal. We had to choose to sell it all and travel or keep it and continue to work the 9-5. Maybe someday! 😊
Great video about issues that some people forget about, we tend to have the discussion on an ongoing basis since we sold everything and started travel in 2017. Carrie's comment about the grocery store hit me right in the feels. I love the challenge of shopping in international locations and discovering new things, but there are times I just want to walk into our local store and get exactly what I am looking for so I can make our comfort meal instead of spending an hour bumbling around trying to find a substitute. We don't miss a home base exactly but just some of the things that come with it like groceries and not having to get up at 3 am to watch the soccer. The way we travel has definitely changed and what we consider comfortable is much different then it used to be. We go back "home" every couple of years and we have started staying a bit longer or going back more frequently and we do know that eventually we will settle there... but not yet! Still so many experiences to have and who knows what could happen that could affect the decision.
We are always willing to make a change whenever necessary. Coming home more often, staying in one location for longer. Or even cutting time short when needed. We have learned to do whatever feels right. Thank you for watching and communicating!! 😄
This is one of the luxuries that some of us recognize. You can ALWAYS change your mind. I am enjoying traveling right now. I'm the opposite in that I don't miss things I'm accustomed to; I appreciate the difference. But that could change. Please continue to live life on your own terms.
Thank you! ❤️
I completely agree with having a home base, if not only for the reason of planning ahead for the next phase post-travel but also in the event (heaven forbid) something unexpected happens now and you all of the sudden really need to be in one spot with familiar systems, language, people, etc. I find that a lot of the "retire and travel the world while you can" YT'ers don't ever talk about setting yourself up for the post-travel phase when you are significantly older and less interested/able to buy (rent) a house, buy furniture, buy a car, find a doctor, refamiliarize yourself with things, etc. I hope people remember that you're going to need your finances in a decent spot to be able to make that transition and also recognize that it will represent a fair amount of physical and mental/emotional effort as well. This goes a step further when thinking about budgeting for assisted living, nursing care, memory care.... There are a lot of hard discussions and things to plan for if you want the last few years of your life to be lived on your own terms.
These are all things that need to be thought about well in advance. Nothing to worry about or discourage you from living your dream of travel but at least have a plan for when the time comes. Thank you for watching and adding to the channel!! 😊❤️
@tootietatum8737 Thailand has so.e excellent retirement/nursing homes that are 1/4 cost of anything in USA
When I head back to the US in November, I’m going to build a tiny house on wheels for my home base when I am back home. I’ve built one before, and like being a full time traveler, I love being a minimalist. Now I will own a suitcase AND a tiny house. NO, property tax, homeowners insurance and jumping through all the bureaucratic hassles.
Great idea, Wayne! We love not having too much "stuff" in our lives. Just keep it simple!
If you're not careful, you'll talk yourself out of travel altogether. Seriously, we've arrived at similar conclusions and are keeping our house in the US as a home base.
If you have the ability to have a home base it would be the way to go. For now, we are enjoying the travel.
My wife and I are looking forward to slow traveling in a few years. We find your videos interesting and inspiring
Thank you! We appreciate the comment and for watching our channel. 😊
Having a family doctor has changed from even 5 years ago. Family physicians as well as specialists change locations and systems on a regular basis. The expense and quality of healthcare is yet another subject.
We agree. To get into a specialist is a 3 month wait at a minimum!
Recently, my husband and I discussed the possibility of living abroad permanently, as some retirees do. We are in our mid 50's and semi-retired. The game changer that helped us deter that decision, was as you mentioned, the various comforts of living here in the United States, such as the usual grocery store we shop at, family gatherings, etc. Funny you should mention a houseboat, as my husband and I on a whim today, mentioned this possibility!😄
We hear expats complain about the US and the issues our country has all the time. The fact is, the United States is our home, and we love coming back 3 times a year to visit. The houseboat idea is a good one! It's nice to dream!! 😁 Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. ❤️
@@BrianandCarrie What I learned from experts on YT about boating is that 10% of the purchase price goes for repairs each year, on average. Then there is that smell caused by mould. And motion sickness. Still, it's nice to see all those nice boats in Florida and California, at least on YT. Every video I am watching these days that talks about home prices falling fast or the upcoming stock market crash gets 100k views per day.
10%!! More like 20% depending on the boat. I owned a 28 ft' cabin years ago. The older it got the higher that % goes up!! 😠
Great video! We're only two years into being nomadic. I know eventually we will get a home base. It may not be in the United States, but we really don't know yet. That comfort of not having a language barrier is really nice.
Right now we are going home every other year for the holidays, but that may change, we may want to be home every year. That's the greatest thing about this life, being able to pivot.
Learning to pivot is critical. You don't have to be locked in to doing the nomadic life a certain way. Just a way that works for you. Thank you for watching!! 😊
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what your end game is. It's always good to have a plan in mind for your later years, bearing in mind that plans can change, as they did when you started your journey. Going back to the US might be what I ultimately do as well when I get to a very advanced age, but for now I see things gradually distilling down to 3 or 4 home bases and perhaps having one of those be my eventual permanent spot. But who knows! As for assisted living outside the US, there are indeed options just like in the US but for a fraction of the price in places like Thailand. Thanks again for sharing! Cheers!
Great comment! Thank you, Jim for all your support on the channel!!
We have followed/subscribed since the beginning and we always had the "long term" question in mind. We are frequent travelers [retired] and really enjoy your content - thank-you for that!! It was great to hear the last piece of the puzzle, as we know, continuous travel is not really sustainable, Thanks again!!
Thank you for following us for such a long time!! We appreciate the support, Ken!!
Cheers!! 🍻
Thanks for talking about the challenges too. I’ve wondered about this myself and most people just post the positivity.
Thank you so much for watching!! ❤️
Please continue to share your thoughts on your lifestyle (past, present and future). It inspires us and makes us think about our own choices. It's very helpful!
We plan on sharing our travels for years to come!! Thank you for watching!! 😊
A lot of good points, for anyone interested in slow traveling. Keep up the great work. You guys made many informative videos while in Budapest. Safe travels.
Thank you, John! We appreciate the comments!! 😁
All the reasons for your returning to the US as an end game are valid. There's nothing comparing to the experiences shared and cherished with family and friends, the connection that I also miss. Having said that I can say for most other reasons such as knowing where things are in the grocery stores, having different seasons, carrying out cooking, baking hobbies, having a pet, investing, etc...even having a dryer can be solved by being a long term resident in one country while still enjoy the benefit of cheaper cost of living, healthier lifestyle of being in Europe. For Brian, having a football gathering can be accomplished. The only problem is the 9 hour time difference might impose a challenge. When your grand children are all grown up, I invite you to try out living abroad in one place for about 2 years to see how you feel. I think having a "home" also helps aleviating some homesickness. If you consider this option, I invite you to consider France. It's more affordable than you think. Please feel free to have a conversation with me in private.
You make a good argument, Teri. The nice thing about what we are doing is that we can change our minds depending on the situation. We don't know what the future holds but know that we can adjust as needed. Thank you for the comments and for supporting the channel! ❤️
Everyone has to choose their own path. The only thing I would challenge is the idea that being an expat limits you in any way. We are expats in Mexico where we can easily travel back to the states for family visits and we have a Home base to relax in.
We are currently in Mexico and love the fact that we are finally in the same time zone and an easy flight back to Seattle if needed! Thank you for watching and commenting!! 🍻
Appreciate your honesty, I was thinking about doing exactly the same but I agree with all the reasons you mentioned. We will slow travel but will keep our home base so we can come back “home”. Thanks
Thank you!! ❤️
I traveled in my younger ages around the world and no regrets .now I am older I don’t care much about traveling . I just visit my homeland for 2-3 months and come back to my second home .and I love it
Thanks for the honesty. I feel like most people don’t discuss this. They all make traveling seem perfect and don’t even think about some of the long term plans. Thanks for the honesty.
Thank you for watching!!! ❤️
Was looking forward to slow travel. Liked the idea of going to IST, ATH, etc for a month or more to get know them. BUT, we now have two grandkids that live 20 mins away that we see 2 or 3 times a week along with some overnight babysitting. Don't want to give that up - but maybe we could do one month away, two at home. Really appreciate your insights!
You are right! Choosing is tough, but we are still planning our next steps. 😊
Less expensive slow travel enables us to have a larger nest egg if we decide to eventually settle down near friends and family in a more expensive location.
Thank you for pointing this out, Erick. We will always be budgeted travelers for this reason alone!
Super interesting video! I am subscribing for sure. My partner and I sold our home in the US and bought a home in the USVI were we spend the winter months. When hurricane season comes each year in June we close the property up and fully prepare it as if a catastrophic storm is on the way. In doing this, we do not look back and enjoy several months of traveling. Last year it was 88 days in Italy and Spain as well as visit relatives and doctors in the States. This year we are following the same plan and have been to Croatia, Austria, Germany and now back in Italy. It works very well for us. The main downside to this way of live is that while we own our USVI home and property taxes are low there the actual cost of living in The USVI is very high otherwise. Since we use home exchanges for a certain percentage of our travel we are considering many factors relating to if we were to relocate our home to a lower cost US state of even a lower cost European county where we might want to reside.
We are going start watching you both as this was the first time we have come across your channel. Btw: We are age 55 and 59 respectively.
We are grateful that you found us and subscribed! Thank you. It is nice to have options within the US or an affordable place outside the US. Safe travels!! 😀🤎
Hello Carrie and brian! Great video really enjoyed it Jennifer and I are going to Rome in April got a really nice repositioning cruise going to be over there doing the Schengen shuffle for 6 months. You guys mentioned about Medicare overseas Medicare will not cover anyone overseas just FYI. That I am aware of. I've called them numerous times and they keep telling me no. We are starting to downsize for the next 7 months but we will have friends stay at our small home when we are gone, because as you said as you get older you seek out a home base and our house is paid off and we would not want to come back to the states without a home base. Our dear friends are struggling with hard times so we offered our home to them for the time that we are gone so at least we have someone watching our place . We follow many Nomads on UA-cam but you by far are the best !
We just wanted to share that with you!!
Have a beautiful day!❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much, Bill and Jenn for sharing! ❤️ Safe and happy travels! 😊🍻
@BillandJennTraveling Re: Medicare, when you travel outside the U.S., most Medigap plans cover emergency health care, with a lifetime limit of $50,000. Those plans include C, D, F, G, M & N...D being the prescription drug plan.
Plans may:
Cover foreign travel emergency care if it begins during the first 60 days of your trip, and if Medicare doesn't otherwise cover the care.
Pay 80% of the billed charges for certain medically necessary emergency care outside the U.S. after you meet a $250 deductible for the year.
If you have plans E, H, I, and J that are no longer sold, they still cover foreign travel emergency care. And plans C & F aren’t available if you turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020.
And some Advantage plans may cover emergencies.
So, after a $250 deductible you'll pay 20% of medically necessary emergency care. The next question, how much will you have to fight the insurance companies on what is "medically necessary emergency care"? 🤷♂ Probably best to inquire before hand? 🤔 And then still fight them afterwards. 🤭
FYI, I sourced this all from Medicare.gov, but verify for yourself. 👍
Good luck (from a Utah neighbor)
My original plan was to find a low-cost home base in Asia or Eastern Europe to retire and travel from there. At age 63, I’ve lived and worked in 40 countries since 1990, so I had a good idea of what to expect. But then I was able to reduce my living expenses in Chicago to just $1800 a month including rent, plus I have a business here that brings in extra income to supplement my Social Security and pension. So my new strategy is to keep my place in the US as my home base and travel 2-3 months, twice a year.
That is not a bad strategy, Linda! We appreciate all of your comments and supporting the channel! Thank you so much!! ❤️
You guys are awesome! You always enlighten, inform and entertain in your videos. Thank you for your realistic commentary surrounding the subjects we all think about, but rarely address. I agree with everything you said! I absolutely LOVE travel, but it’s always so comforting to sleep in your own bed when you arrive home. I’m sure you have many years of travel and exploration ahead of you, however it’s so very important to be home for the milestones of kids and grandkids. You seem to incorporate those things nicely! I’m looking forward to your next adventure; blessings ❤️
Thank you, Patti! ❤️
Great video, guys. I enjoy your view, and I often take note of your experiences.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. We are still in Türkey for another month and will be heading back to the states on a repositioning ship (Thanks for that idea)
We have 7 days left on Schengeng and will head to Sitges to get on 18 days transatlatic out of Barcelona port, 18 days, headed to Miami. I look forward to seeing our family and hitting the road to Baja again, in our Skoolie.
BTW- I saw you may be going to Merida. October is Breast Cancer month, and that's where I do mine, along with my Gyn.
Even if you're a full-time traveler, you can have your favorite doctors in a different country.
Happy travels and enjoy your family time.
We will be going to Merida next month. You make a very good point about having a regular doctor somewhere other than where you are from. Thank you! Enjoy Türkiye and the cruise home!! ❤️😁
Thumbs up 👍 Brian & Carrie
Thank you!! 😊
Home is where the heart is ❤
Very true, Nancy! ❤️
These are the exact same thoughts that have gone through our mind too and interestingly enough we reached the same conclusions. That's why we've decided our happy ground is summer in our home in the UK and winter travelling to nice warm places. I loved the way Brian said "houseboat" without batting an eyelid.........he'd be superb in a captain's hat out on the keys at two thirsty o'clock....😂
We have been mostly chasing the sun but have found that we miss the changing of the seasons. We will always avoid the 9 months of grey skies back in Bellingham WA. 😊 The houseboat idea is a good one for sure! 😉
Great points! I hope you travel for at least a while longer because I enjoy your content so much!
Thank you, Melinda. We plan on traveling for many more years!! 😊
Thanks for hoenst thoughts ❤...seniors who want to be full-time travelers are most those who didn't have chance to travel at young age . We always encourage pur kids to travel far as posible because your young full energy and expansion of mind experience before haveing a family.... to us , we had traveled all of the world since 30s . So travel full time after retirement isn't a thing for us. We are getting older, we focus on LONGEVITY. Wellbeings . Regular life routines, good rest ,slow pasted life are good for longevity. But we continue to travel global 2 twice a year ,thats enough. 😊😊
We would agree. Each of our paths was different than most. We started our families in our teens so didn't have the opportunity to travel at a young age. We are now in the position where our kids are now adults in their mid-20s to mid-30s. We are doing it backwards. 😁 Thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️
@@BrianandCarrie absolutely agreed with u as well. Sometimes we saw others living abroad or traveling around at senior ages JUST because cost of living is cheaper out there . But if we WOULD be able to afford a little bit more quality life , wouldn't sacrifice our health and comfort. Life is too short.
Same here. Three weeks on the road and just came home today. The comfort foods of home are better no matter how great restaurants on the roads were.
Another quality video. As far as pets go, I think the other thing to consider is what is in the best interests of the pet. Pets generally crave structure and a familiar space. Different places, hotels, weird food etc would likely not be in their best interest. Even slow travel likely is not best for an animal. It would also be a potential hassle with baggage on trains, buses and planes. Of course family and friends take precedence over sports teams and games with similar fans. I like the addressing the 15 year plan for 53-68 and then the later years (68-83) etc - - many talk about the go-go years, slo-go years and no-go years. I had no doubt that you have talked about this. Other younger vloggers I wouldn't have the same confidence. Always good to have the conversation. You continue to do what I would dream of doing and seeing the world as you have. Cheers to both.
Thank you for your insight. Yes, one may want to sail/travel the world, but few people stay on that boat forever - i.e. home is home (for many/us). And travel takes a lot of energy, at least for us. Still looking for our balance. Heath issues make it all harder - such is life, so do it while we/you can, for sure. Keep the faith and stay safe.
Thank you, Alex!
I recently started watching your channel and am glad that you find the silver linings of travel and home. I know this is very important to you because Carrie's rate of speed when she talks about they "why's" just about doubles. We're retired and we are about to start "seriously" traveling but we are going to keep our house because we need to be near to family and because, "there's no place like home".
We return "home" three times a year. We find it to be a recharge to get back on the road. We are happy that you found our channel! Thank you for watching! 😊
I’m in WA met Brian in Birch Bay! I have a newer trailer in an RV park in BB for 500 a month. It’s an affordable option to have a place to come back to without the huge expense of an apartment or house. I’ll probably get something larger as I age and stay home more. I get wanting a place to come back to it’s important to me as well.
And this place is walking distance to The Beach Bar. lol
Any place that is within walking distance to the Beach Bar sounds like a good place to me!! 😁🍻
Great perspective. Interesting about the dryer situation
Great point, you two! Ultimately, that's why we chose both to buy a place in Europe, but to have our base at home in the US. We have a place to call home in both continents, and also to keep our dogs. Any choice is not always perfect, but we tried to get as close as we could to something that works for us. Very insightful video...thanks.
Finding what works best for you is all that matters. We get comments about "why didn't we do this?" or "why not do that?" Well, we don't want to. 😁 Thank you for watching and supporting the channel, Danny!! 🍻😊
Tiredness with slow travel is popping up in all the channels I follow… 3-5 years seems to be the transition time.
We are in this long term and don't feel tired or burnt out in any way. We are starting our 4th year with plans for many more. 😊
My plan is to get a permanent residency first. (In Ecuador it takes two yrs.) And THEN I'll do my slow travel after that. I'm happy to study my Spanish during these two years too, so I'll have it available to me during my travel years
We are reducing our belongings and trying extended time away, but definitely we will be keeping our home. We have downsized and made the updates for us to age in place. Being 67 and 63 these are easy choices for us.
Having a home base isn't a bad idea. Maybe someday! 😊
Thanks for sharing this with your viewers - even if it's none of our damn business. You are a lovely example of a couple that works well together and a welcome breath of fresh air.
Well thank you! 😊❤️ We appreciate the kind words! 😁
It could be interesting for you guys to experiment residency in another country for 1 year to see if you like it. That gives you time to find doctors you like, do volunteer work, develop a community, etc. and enjoy some of the perks of life outside the US. Depending on the time zone, indeed, this might not solve the sports-watching dilemma ;) Karyn
Don't take this the wrong way, but your videos are now my go-to when I need background noise to fall asleep (calming voices I guess?). I do listen to them awake too, they are interesting 😅
Thats funny!! 🤣
Bonjourno, Brian and Carre! Thank you for the informative videos. We are now considering moving to Italy with the Elective Retirement Visa (ERV). Since the Portland condo market is down, we will rent our condo and visit the country in the spring. Grazie! Dean & Cindy
That sounds amazing!! And having the income from the rental will help! Congratulations!!
I wouldn’t move out of the country while my mom is alive. After that, I definitely will. I don’t like how things are turning out in my town. I particularly think the USA is missing its charm, but I totally understand your point. Safe travels!
The US absolutely has its issues, and we do like to escape certain aspects! But it's our home and we have found that every country has its own set of problems as well. Thank you for watching and commenting! We appreciate your time. 😊🍻
Great topic, and as you say, much depends on individual travelers. My spouse and I started slow travel almost a year ago right after retiring at age 67. I soon turn 68. I am in great shape and can still hike up moderately difficult steep mountains. It has been
I feel for you, Brian. We're traveling over to Bulgaria on the fifteenth for three weeks and I'm not looking forward to watching my Seahawks at three in the morning. Another great video, you two. Thanks again!
We are in Mexico now and it was nice to watch the Huskies and the Hawks in the afternoon!!
@@BrianandCarriewhat site do you use to stream the games? I am currently in Montenegro and tried every link on nflbite for the Hawks-Broncos game but none of the links worked. 🙁 I wound up streaming the local Seattle radio broadcast. Hoping to find a way to stream Seahawks and Huskies games the rest of this season. 🤞 Thanks for any suggestions.
I use NFLreddit, but you need to have your VPN on. Even then, it depends on your internet.
@@BrianandCarrie Thanks! I always have my VPN working with a US server on my fire stick and am able to stream Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. Just couldn't find a functioning link for the Hawks game. 🙁 For the next game I'll try your suggestion. Thanks!
Was too early in the morning on my last reply. 😅 Yes, I do use a firestick (with nordvpn) for Hulu and Prime, but I was trying to stream the Seahawks game on my laptop with nordvpn connected to a US server. Just couldn't find a link that was a legit stream for the game. Hopefully NFLreddit will save me this weekend. And hoping reddit will have working links for the Huskies, Mariners, and Kraken too. 🙂 Cheers! 🍻
Leaving for Greece tomorrow for four weeks and I’m already missing my home and dog! We love traveling however we miss our home, kids, and family, 49 years in the US and still miss the US when abroad.
Heck with the home, kids and family, you're leaving your dog????? 😁jk, safe travels
I get the convenience of the US, but the Healthcare, the outrageous cost of living, homelessness , violence (Two shootings nearby my house and I live in Rancho Santa Margarita, the second safest city in California), political division and the cost of nursing homes made completely change my mind about the USA. I was planning to spend winters in California (Great weather) and summers in my country, Northern Spain (Asturias) and now I am thinking to fully retired in Spain. The elderly in the USA have been left out in many ways and I totally understand why they want to move to more affordable countries. Now, if your vision of retirement and you can afford it, it is to pay $6,000 a month for a nursing home (If you loose mobility $8,000 to $10,000) and being drug out all the time so like that they don't really have to take care of you, I do respect your opinion.
@louaceveu1925 I agree w u on all points!!
Ha! I want those comforts now (especially my own comfy bed). By the time I retire, I'm afraid there's no way I'll be able to handle those hard Airbnb beds:) There's something special about coming home after a long trip.
There's no doubt about that!! It would be ideal to come home and sleep in your own bed! Maybe someday!!
Great topics. I was curious if you have any special medical airlift service for those unforeseen medical emergencies where you would have to come back to the states from hospital to hospital.
We currently do not have it on our plans, but it is available if we wish to add it in the future.
I didn't really start working toward retirement until I was 40 (Im 45 now), but I was able to buy a really inexpensive house in Spain, and then this year I bought an affordable condo in Florida. I'm working to pay off the condo in 5 years and am hoping to retire between 50 and 55. I work remotely and make a below average salary, but thanks to side hustles and really looking for the right deals, I can have a home base in two locations and still travel quite a bit as well. I agree that after traveling for a few years, realizing the value of community really stood out a lot more. I initially thought geographic arbitrage was the answer, but I've found other creative solutions to make both travel and community happen.
This is great to hear, Nicole!! It looks like you have a UA-cam channel as well!! Good for you and keep up the hard work! 😊
In the 1550s, a French poet, Joachim Du Bellay wrote this poem: Heureux qui, comme Ulysse, a fait un beau voyage..
Happy is he who, like Ulysses, has made a beautiful journey,
Or like that man who conquered the fleece,
And then returned, full of use and reason,
To live among his parents the rest of his life!
This poem, 500 years later, shows that human nature has not changed.
You can find it, translated on the net. Edifying..😊
Thank you for this, Patrick! Love it!
Hi Guys! We're in escrow and about to hit the road. You have mentioned the Larq water bottle in a previous video and have linked on your website. Curious if you could let me know which technology you went with, filter or light. Also, best size for travel. And, if you are generally happy with it. Thank you so much! Paul & Julie from Bellevue!
Congratulations!! This is so exciting! We have the 25 oz with the light and the filter. Since we purchased ours Larq has some new options and technology that include the light, filter and other options.
Sure, there will always be reasons for staying in the US but I try not to overthink them. I travel solo so my decisions pretty much only affect me. I spent most of my life doing what I had to do now that I’m retired I do what I desire, travel.
One of my big reasons to find one place and park it in France next year: my pups. (Sue)
I believe the trade offs are well worth the travel! 👍🏻👍🏻
Absolutely!!
Very useful information. Thank you! 😊
Glad you brought up sports. Living in Europe & watching games until 5 or 6 in the morning, makes your whole weekend is out of sync especially if you watch College & Pro football. But you are right it's not as much fun to drink beer alone at 4am. & when your team does good there is never anyone to HI-five!!
We are currently in Mexico, and it was nice to watch the Huskies and the Hawks in the middle of the afternoon and not in the middle of the night!!
I'm traveling full time as well but my plans were always to eventually return back to the US and re-establish my home base there. I actually like living in the US and it's by far my favorite country to live, I'm traveling full time simply to see as much of the world as I can, not to "escape" the US like some people are doing.. and when I am on the road I do miss the US.
I'm here in Madrid in an Airbnb, there is a washer, but when I asked about the dryer the host points to a clothes line in the yard, "that's your dryer" 😁 Luckily no rain for the next few days.
We would agree with this. We are traveling to enjoy the experience. We decided to start this adventure to escape the high cost of living in the Seattle region and add something new to our lives. We are always excited for the next country to explore but equally as excited to go back to where we are from.
I kept my house in the UK ,rented it out and have been travelling continuously for the last 10 years I know it probably wasn’t the best financial decision but that’s what I chose . Am about to move back into my property and decide my next move , hopefully a new home on the UK coast from where I intend to do more travelling but shorter trips . Also , I totally get the need for your own place , I am really looking forward to being in my own space . Food options are better for me here too , I can cook and feed myself so cheaply . I am seeing my home town as a tourists point of view too and have decided that Bath England has as much to offer as many other European cities ❤.
Sometimes the best decision for you isn't the best financially. If we had made the best financial decision, we would still be working 9-5 back home. We have absolutely no regrets.
@@BrianandCarrie me neither 😊
Did you keep your house or sell it before you took off on your travels ? When you stop travelling, do you have your house to live in ?
We sold everything to travel. While we visit our home town we house sit or stay with family.
Its a good topic for serious consideration. You hit all the points that directs you back to Home Sweet Home. In your situation If I guessed right, you are in the early 50s, the health insurance will be a big $$ item to deal with unless you want to take up a job upon return (highly unlikely to start all over...). So that leaves the option to continue doing what you are doing now until you hit 65, and at that time it makes the decision easy with SS (though reduced amt. because have to hit 67, and if any money left over with SS) coming in and Medicare kicking in. Tough decision now, and easy one at 65 in my opinion.
Health insurance will be the biggest issue moving forward. The decision now is easy because we are enjoying what we are doing. We will see how we feel at 60 and still have a few years left for Medicare.
US definitely gets points for dryers!! Church is also a big one for us. We’re a nomadic family and your reasons are completely valid. You guys have it figure out. Travel now that you’re young and when it’s retirement age or your golden years then slow down. The west has taught us the reverse. You guys have it right. Best of luck with all your travels. 😊
Thank you and safe travels to you as well!! 😀
Respect to you both ,lots of love to both x
Thank you, Tony! ❤️
I think you are on the right path. Our goals and needs change throughout life and later you will want a comfortable base, of course.
We're in the slow-go time of our lives and chose Seattle for our home base. With no cars and no debt, we have been able to downsize our footprint and peg our budget to less than approximately $4000 per month and we travel a lot throughout the year much of that to Europe and Asia. We cruise several weeks per year and do not feel the need to skimp on everything. My wife wants to fly business class for long-haul flights and even though we are not extravagant, we enjoy the experience of travel as much as anyone.
My hobby is travel and I spend many hours every week planning our trips. I have been involved in designing my own travel since high school. My HS principal was a bad influence on me ;-) I don't see that diminishing until I am unable to do it. Most of our immediate family members are deceased. We do have 2 granddaughters, but they are both teenagers now and I don't need to tell you that means they are becoming more distant ;-) There is little to keep us stateside but the convenience of knowing our base city is important which is why we would not choose to be expats or digital nomads at our age. We both love the climate of the Northwest.
Our Medicare Advantage plan covers emergency healthcare offshore. Of course, we would need to pay for it and return the receipts to make a claim, but we have used dentists abroad and had excellent results. I am confident medical treatment can be as good offshore as what we have available here.
This is a great comment! We would agree with all that you said except for the climate in Seattle!! 😁 That is one of the biggest reasons we wanted to leave the area and travel!! 50 years in the rain is enough!! Thank you for taking the time to watch and add your comments. It is very much appreciated! 😊
@@BrianandCarrie
Your channel is one of our favs. We have learned a lot from you two. Keep up the great content. We will continue to watch.
I spent most of my life in Southern California. I used to believe that 70 degrees and sunshine was perfect weather. I traveled a lot in my career covering the 19 Western states and was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the Fall several times. The color change there made a massive impression on me. A friend once said that more than 40% of Southern California was covered with concrete and asphalt. As I aged I grew to love the 4 seasons including a little rain and as you know, Seattle has less of that than Bellingham. 😉 Now my wife and I avoid the sun whenever we travel to a sunny destination in the Winter.
If you grew up in the mountains, you probably want to live at the sea's edge. If you grew up on the shore, you might prefer to live in the mountains. We all seem to want whatever is on the other side of the fence. It's the fence that makes us feel that way. 🙃
Thanks for this discussion of your ultimate future plans. I have followed you for a couple of years, and I have discerned a gradual disenchantment with the life of constant travel, and at the same time, a growing pull toward your home area with its familiarity and family comforts. We are leaving the US in two weeks for a year of travel (starting with London, a tour of Tunisia, and 3 months in 3 parts of Italy, probably headed to Asia next), and are expecting to want to extend that for a second year at least. We are retirement age, and do not expect trouble accessing our SS and other funds from the US or with legal matters. We will maintain Medicare, but pay cash for care abroad. We have interest in setting up a home base again in the future, and possibly in Italy or France--I have researched it and know it can be difficult and time-consuming, but if it's feasible we think we would enjoy that change. It's different for us--although we love our families, they are all spread out geographically, and we don't have that hometown situation, but we will visit the US annually. We are also accustomed to spending most holidays away from family members already, but will encourage them to visit us. We have encouraging signs that we can gradually make friends in our future home locations, and we are undeterred by cooking with ingredients in markets around the world. Let's see if our travel experiences change our views on any of that! We are both open to recognizing however we feel along the way--positive or negative. So far my biggest problem is how to squeeze enough into my carry-on suitcase--my new mottos are "no cute outfits!" and "they have stores there." Here we go!
You will have an amazing adventure! And yes, expect things to change along the way. 😁 This all sounds very exciting!! Safe travels and thank you for watching!!
@@BrianandCarrie I do know things will change along the way and I am curious to see how. I don’t see full time travel as a permanent lifestyle, but can imagine two years of it before settling somewhere and traveling part-time. Have a great time in Mexico!
I appreciate this conversation so much. My husband and I are both 54 and we want to move to Spain but with our 20 old at home and our older son is having his first child we feel like we are in a holding pattern. Feel like we might miss out because of family obligations. I wish we had had a 10 year span to explore between our raising our kids and caring fir parents and before starting grandparenting. Looking at how to do it with all the people who factor in to the situation.
We decided that we raised our children and made plenty of sacrifices along the way. This may sound selfish but it's our turn now. We are returning home three times a year for a month at a time and have found the time spent with loved ones is quality time with a deeper connection. Our original plan was to move to Portugal but decided that we needed to return home for the reasons that you mentioned. We recently did a video on full-time travel over moving to one location, it may be helpful to watch. Thank you for the comments and for watching the channel. ❤️
thank u! The cool thing is our kids are super supportive of us living our dream so we just need to start working through the obstacles one at a time and just make it happen. Thanks for the information and the inspiration ❤
Agree with Carrie here. As mothers, we make tons of sacrifices and postpone doing things while we are raising our children. “Now it’s our turn”
Our children wouldn’t think twice about moving to another country and take our grandchildren far away. Sadly, they will not hesitate to put us in a nursing home and don’t even visit. That is my observation in the American culture.
As a father, Carrie and I each raised our kids and made sacrifices. Always having a 40+ hour work week at a young age was a challenge but decades later with three beautiful daughters made all the sacrifices worth it.
Our plan is to stay at our mobile park resort in our home area of canada for 6 months. Sell our house and travel the other 6....that way we have home base in a way....its not a cheap park but had beaches..pools....live music ....lots entertaknment...bike riding....so keeps us entertained and close to most family but like a vacation....
I can also rent my trailer out and use that money for summer travel.....this way it's cheaper then maintaining a home....our house has been for sale 4 months now so that's holding us up lol but I love watching your videos
Having a home base AND rental income would be great! It sounds like you have a great plan! Thank you for watching and commenting, Lisa!! ❤️
I will be resetting my permanent residency to Italy in a couple of years. My Italian husband wants his turn to be at home and I completely understand. So, I need to deal with all the details. One small step at a time. Comfort creatures are easy. Family and friends are happy to tuck them into a suitcase as house gifts and Amazon works, too. I can buy a dryer and an AC unit. Creating a community of other travelers and expats is key for support. Family, especially grandchildren can be a big part of that. Medicare and social security are automatically set up in the US and medical coverage in the EU costs less than all the Medicare add-ons and is excellent care. Legal stuff can be done from a distance and on a yearly visit home. We still plan to keep a small place and travel for another 10 years. We can rethink what feels comfortable at that time.
This sounds like a great, well-thought-out plan. Your last comment about rethinking is something we do all the time. It's ok to make adjustments as you go. Thank you, Griffin, for the comments. 😊
My husband is from Sweden. I lived there for 4 years long ago. We discuss moving back often. The weather in Sweden is a drawback. Otherwise conveniences are very similar, even better, to USA. Wishing you a good life in Italy. Permanently settling in one spot should be easier than constantly moving around the world… fun and interesting as that lifestyle is.
I would like to have a homebase here in the US and be near my kids and future grandkids. I also love the fall. However, I feel like now is the right time to travel while i am in good health. I will see where my kids settle, and eventually, live near them. I've asked them to have an extra room for me!😊
This is the best way to approach travel. Do it while you can!!
Maybe ask for a room with a bathroom, kitchen and separate living space. 😉
@@BrianandCarrie great idea! A mother-in-law suite! I hope that they can afford it. Maybe I can help with that then.❤️
It never hurts to ask!! 🤣
There is no Badge of UA-cam Honor for doing anything you don’t want to do. Find your balance, ignore the other UA-camrs, do what serves you. Everything is temporary!
I haven’t had the same doctor for over 1-2 years. Most doctors leave and move on where I am in the states.
Your videos have been enjoyable and informative. It is understandable that with your travels that you have the difficulties of knowing all of the systems in each of the countries that you visit. If you were a resident for a longer period of time in one country, feeling more on a permanent basis, it would come easier. Having been a resident in two European countries, it just takes a little time. You are fortunate that much of the world speaks English and you can get some help when you need it. As far as health care, Medicare and such is no advantage for me to return to the US. The care that I have gotten here as an expat has been phenomenal and at little to no cost. My suggestion, take it or leave it, would be just to continue your travels as much as you want, with your ultimate goal to return to the US. It is evident that is where your heart is, based on the number of times that you said the word "HOME", in your video. Until you can let go of that word, a person cannot make it in another place.
I think it's important to think about the end game. We start our travels aged 60 in 6 weeks. We are so lucky, no dependants and both our parents have passed. We will still have 2 houses here in the UK, 1 of which is long term rented. The NHS here is getting to be really bad, you are lucky if you can get an appointment and never see the same GP. One thing is for sure, if we want to return to the UK, it would not be back to where we live now. Happy travels.... and remember, Pivot! 😂🤣
What are your thoughts on being a snowbird? We're from Ontario, Canada and live in Bucerias, Mexico during the winter. We've been travelling for three years after selling up and I find that having a base we come to for a few months each year to explore Mexico, South America and the Pacific blends well with our travels in our campervan in the summer and housesitting everywhere! It comes with a whole new set of challenges though....
We basically are snowbirds although we are back in the PNW for the holidays. We are in Mexico now and will be in Argentina in January.